North Port leaders vote to sell interest in springs

In December 2009, Sarasota County and the city of North Port celebrated a unique collaboration: the joint $5.5 million purchase of historic Warm Mineral Springs.

They vowed to find a private-sector partner to help them make the popular destination known for its mineral-rich waters (and promoted this week by HuffingtonPost.com as being one of eight "natural spas" in the world) even more appealing. They spoke of creating a resort destination that would boost the local economy and North Port's name recognition.

That alliance fell apart recently when the North Port City Commission voted 3-2 for the city to sell its half interest in the 81-acre property.

The prevailing commissioners considered an "invitation to negotiate" the county wanted to use to attract private developers to be too broad and open-ended. They expressed concerns about overdeveloping and overly commercializing North Port's best-known landmark.

Reacting to the news, residents packed City Commission chambers on Jan. 18 to speak out.

Many praised the commission majority's decision. They expressed skepticism about whether public-private partnerships really end up being in the taxpayers' best interest and said the business should be put back on the property tax rolls.

Others said that, before any plans are made, a thorough environmental study is needed to determine the health of the springs -- which are reportedly losing flow and a once-steady 87-degree temperature.

Others insisted the city should not give up its say in what happens at the springs. They held out hope that a public-private partnership could be a win-win situation for all entities. They want to see what may get proposed.